If You Want to Declutter, Stop Buying These Items

Alexa EricksonNov 06

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Most people agree that clutter is stressful. But despite your best efforts to keep things tidy, what you buy often leads to more unforeseen clutter. Some people seek to declutter to alleviate this stress and build up their feelings of accomplishment. Others like the feeling of freeing up extra space in the home. Whatever the motivation, decluttering is energizing, an anxiety reducer, can reduce relationship and family tension and more according to Psychology Today. So what should you avoid buying prior to, in the midst of, or as a means of avoiding clutter?

Freebies

It’s all too easy to say yes to something that’s free. Although you never thought you wanted or needed it, the idea that it will cost you nothing to acquire is just too enticing. From promotional pens to clothes from a neighbor, be mindful of everything you allow to take up space in your home.

Kitchen gadgets

Professional organizer Barbara Reich isn’t a fan of space-hogging specialty gadgets. That fondue maker may have been expensive, but if it’s collecting dust, it’s creating clutter. “What you paid for an item has absolutely no bearing on whether it has a place in your life,” she says. “Think only about whether you like having it around.”

Seasonal Items

While it makes sense to store holiday decorations in your garage or closets, do you really need all of that specialty decor for every season? A pumpkin patch pillow for autumn, an American flag throw blanket for summer, a variety of wreaths and more take up a lot of valuable space.

Trendy clothes

Or trendy anything, really! The reality is, if you want to fill your home with what’s at its peak right now, chances are it’s going to be old news before it even gets dusty. All that rose gold decor is already making your eyes roll, and you can’t even find your timeless, quality pieces in your closet behind all those disposable fashion pieces.

Organizing solutions

According to Washington DC’s organizing and decluttering guru Nicole Anzia of Neatnik, “All of those pretty bins, boxes and baskets at The Container Store are very enticing, but they won’t do you any good unless they fit the space (on the shelf, under the bed, in the closet); hold what you need them to hold, and function properly for your particular space.”

Alexa is an experienced lifestyle and news writer, currently working with Reader's Digest, Shape Magazine, and various other publications. She loves writing about her travels, health, wellness, home decor, food and drink, fashion, beauty, and scientific news. Follow her traveling adventures on Instagram: @living_by_lex, send her a message: [email protected], and check out her website: livingbylex.com